Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Foreman Lewis

Newbery Medal Winner, 1933

This book is recommended for advanced readers in fifth grade and upGenre: Historical Fiction

Book Summary:When Young Fu arrives in Chunking, he must adjust to city life quickly. He becomes an apprentice to a coppersmith, in order to learn a trade and earn enough to support his mother. His adventures include encounters with soldiers, thieves, and his own mistakes.

Book Review:This book shares many similarities with A Single Shard, although it is a bit more episodic. The protagonist does have a clear character arc, and his mistakes and ambitions offer avenues for interesting discussions.

While the content may be appropriate for most upper elementary readers, the language and complexities of this time period in China may be challenging for some students to tackle on their own. This book is an excellent choice to study and discuss with small groups, particularly with concurrent study of Chinese traditions, or units related to the arts and apprenticeships.Book Advisory Information: Mild violence, intentional racism, religious references, absent parent

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Discussion Topics and Themes

Personal Responsibility and Work Ethic

Chinese Culture in the 1920s

Apprenticeships / Training

Poverty vs. Wealth; Weakness vs. Power

The Value of Education

Distrust of Outsiders

Does Luck Exist?

They waste good time studying their watches. They hasten to earn money and hasten to spend it. Why then trouble to gain it?p. 37

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Discussion Questions / Journal Topics

Discussion Questions for Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze -- Direct Download: